Mishawaka Amphitheatre

Nestled in the north country of Colorado, lies yet another hidden gem of The Centennial State’s musical legacy: The Mishawaka Amphitheater. Set amongst towering canyon walls and located on the edge of The Poudre River, patrons are greeted from the road by a non-descript store front and privacy fencing, neither of which denotes the unexpected lying inside.

The story goes that the Big Wu, bound for rock stardom, sold their souls for a case of Old Style beer one thirsty night long ago. The legend and the band live on, still rocking their powerful, moving, and energizing original music for the fans. A jam band with a unique style and presence, the Wu combine strong, free flowing improv and vocal harmonies, with finely crafted songs for all tastes. Oh, and their fans are famously friendly.

Head for the Hills has a simple but continuing dilemma they can’t seem to resolve. Specialists have been hired to no avail and the predicament persists: how does one describe the multifarious music of Head for the Hills?

The annual announcement of the Mishawaka Amphitheatre concert season lineup will get special attention this year as part of the venue’s ongoing 100th anniversary celebration. A party at the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery on Saturday, April 16 will provide the setting for an exclusive first look at the Mish 100 concert calendar; a short film highlighting the Mishawaka will also debut that evening at the museum’s OtterBox Digital Dome Theater.

An evening of reflection and revelry will mark Mishawaka Amphitheatre’s ongoing 100th anniversary festivities on Friday, March 25, starting with the public unveiling of commemorative artwork at the Downtown Artery and culminating in an indoor overnight at The Mish.

Two themes have remained constant at Mishawaka Amphitheatre over the years: music and community. Homesteaded in 1916 by Walter S. Thompson (and originally called “Thompson’s Resort”), Mishawaka Amphitheatre has provided a memorable gathering spot for Colorado residents and visitors to enjoy food and beverage, art, music, and spectacular natural surroundings for 100 years.